Al & Fran Cleaners
We have been taking my husband's dress shirts there for over a year and been happy with the result. However, this last time, when I picked up the shirts, there were stains - the same gray stains, in the same location, on all 5 shirts, which were not there when I dropped them off. I requested that they reclean them, but when I returned to picked them up, the spots were still there. They denied any responsibility and in fact blamed me, stating that the spots were already present when brought in for cleaning. The counter manager was defensive from the start and insisted that there was no possible way "their staff" had made the stains. She refused any to provide ANY compensation and was very forceful. When the cleaning goes well, it's fine - but they obviously have no resources for dealing with customer complaints and I will no longer be using them.
Fleet Feet Sports
My husband and I recently went and were fitted for running shoes - We were in and out (for both of us) is just under an hour! For us, that is amazingly fast considering that generally we visit about 4 stores each and then have MAYBE found a pair of shoes. The staff at Fleet Feet really knows their stuff and can help you select the perfect pair. Plus they have narrow and wide sizes (who knew I needed a narrow running shoe!?!). I highly recommend going to Fleet Feet for your athletic shoe needs. Now if only I?d looked at sports bras while I was there?.
Sam's Club
Based on my experience at the Evanston Sams Club I will not be renewing my membership and will not be shopping at Sams Club again. I was recently there with a co-worker getting a flatbed full of items for an event at our workplace. There was some issue with checking out, and we had to call to get approval. Once everything was worked out the checker told us that sure, we could check out now, but that we had to get back in line. There were only 2 registers open, we had already waited in line once, and the line was now even longer with about 10-15 people in it. We ended up leaving our basket and going to their non-membership neighbor, who ended up having better prices on the items we were buying. I do not suggest going to this Sams Club unless you want to be treated rudely.
Food 4 Less
The store is always clean and tidy, and has nice wide aisles. I would highly reccomend checking them out, especially if you regularly shop at their wholesale neighbor. In my experience Food 4 Less has better prices on many items than their neighbor and definitely has better customer service. The LAST time I visited their neighbor I ended up leaving my basket full of items and went next door - already upset and in a hurry the staff at Food 4 Less really turned my day around with their helpfullness and courtesy.
Arthur Goldner & Assoc
I lived in a building managed by Arthur Goldner and I would call them only so-so. The super for the building was very good and responsive, but any repair that involved an outside person was SLOW to get done. If you want to move into one of their buildings get every repair you want completed done BEFORE you move in, otherwise you?ll be renewing your lease before it?s completed. This includes asking for new window AC?s. Once you?re in they will do the minimum possible in major maintenance. The building was clean, safe, and quiet, which gets the property management company a ?satisfactory? even though I think their level of responsiveness and communication was less than OK.
Robert Crown Center
This city of 8 square miles fits a lot into a little package. The best thing about it is its proximity to the trains, ease of transportation to Chicago, and great downtown area. The negatives are how far from the freeways it is, and some of the ?bad? areas of town that do have a gang problem. When I?ve gone into city hall the staff has been very helpful ? there is also a great farmers market run by the city on Saturdays next to the parking garage on Maple and they validate your parking in the garage when you go to the market!
Beadazzled
Beadazzled is a wonderful local beading supply store that offers great service, a nice selection of beads, and some great classes to get you started. If you want to browse and meditate over your selections, cool, if you want help making new combinations or planning out a project, the staff is up for that also. I highly suggest you check out this great local store on Central St.
Ubaa Old Crawford Inn
The Ubaa in Skokie is a great place to go either for a drink and dinner after work, or with the kids for dinner. It is divided into two separate sides ? one is the U shaped bar (smoking allowed) and the other is a homey restaurant in which you can not tell that someone is smoking anywhere nearby. My regular order here is a Blue Moon beer and the spicy chicken sandwich, ordered SPICY, never medium. They have friendly service, a nice atmosphere to relax, and good food. The fried mushrooms are great and come with their special sauce, and their fries are round slices off an actual potato which are crisp outside and fluffy potato goodness inside. This is a great local pub style place that has been around forever and will hopefully stay.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
We have rented from this Enterprise location several times, and I am always impressed by their professionalism and level of service. They have a great location on Green Bay Rd., always have the car ready to go, and you can get in and out quickly. They are also accommodating when we have had to adjust the return day or time based on circumstances, and they charge you same rate for any additional days. You can also return the car to the airport location for a $50 fee ? well worth it when you consider the cost and hassle of using a limo or taxi service. They'll also usually offer to upgrade you to a Jag - they have a deal with the dealership down the street ;)
Chicago Athletic Clubs
a.This is a great locally owned gym that has a good mix of machines, a nice pool, and some good classes. I admit that I didn?t find THE class for me at EAC, but they did have a good selection of classes. The one big downside for me was the lack of parking ? you had to find metered street parking or park in the garage 1.5 blocks away. Having to pay to park when I was paying to go to the club just rubbed me the wrong way.
